Minnesota State Mortician Practice Exam

What type of remains can be entombed in a vault?

1. Only cremated remains

2. Human remains, cremated remains, or hydrolyzed remains

3. Only hydrolyzed remains

4. Only casketed human remains

The correct answer is: Human remains, cremated remains, or hydrolyzed remains

Entombment in a vault is a practice that accommodates various types of remains. Human remains, which refer to bodies that have not undergone any form of reduction, may be placed in a vault, typically within a casket. Additionally, cremated remains, which are the ashes resulting from the cremation process, can also be placed in a vault. Hydrolyzed remains, resulting from the process of alkaline hydrolysis, represent another form of processed human remains that can be treated similarly to cremated remains when considering internment options. The correct understanding here is that a vault serves as a protective structure for different types of remains. This option encompasses the broadest range of remains that can be entombed, reflecting modern practices in mortuary science that recognize multiple choices individuals may have regarding the disposition of remains.